Thailand’s opposition Democratic party to boycott Feb 2 polls

Gen Prayuth proposed the formation of a people's assembly comprising 'all colours' to help heal the divide.

Written by PTI | Bangkok |
Published:December 21, 2013 6:07 pm

Thailand’s main opposition Democrat Party on Saturday decided to boycott the February 2 snap polls and join anti-government rallies seeking to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra out of office.

Facing continuous street protests led by former Democrat leader Suthep Thaugsuban,Yingluck dissolved parliament and called an early poll on December 9 to try to ease tensions.

But the opposition is determined to replace her government with an unelected “People’s Council”.

“The meeting of party executives and former party lawmakers resolved that the Democrat Party will not send candidates to contest in the February 2,2014 general election,” Democrat leader and former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva said.

“We don’t believe the February 2 election will lead to true reform and restore public confidence in the system.”